FCPD Helicopter Unit Receives Award

Members of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Helicopter Unit were
awarded the annual Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award on July 20,
2013. The award was given for the rescue of two missing boys in
Spotsylvania, Virginia.

On January 25, 2013, two brothers, ten and five-years-old, went outside
to play in the newly fallen snow with their dog. When a parent went to
check on them 30 minutes later, it was discovered that footprints from
the boys led into the dense woods bordering the family home. Deputies
from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office began searching for the
boys and requested assistance from the Fairfax County Police Helicopter,
“Fairfax One.” Communicating with deputies below, the helicopter
performed an extensive search utilizing the infrared camera, in the
waning light of a winter afternoon with sub-freezing temperatures. With
only 10 to 15 minutes remaining for Fairfax One to remain on the scene, a
small heat source was located under a fallen tree next to a creek. Using
the high definition camera, the crew was able to spot the two missing
boys huddled together under the tree and directed search team members to
their location.

The three officers who were recognized were Pilot Garrett Wymer, Master
Police Officer Paul DeHaven and Police Officer First Class Timothy
Schilling.

The Gus Crawford Air Crew of the Year Award is given annually by the
Airborne Law Enforcement Association, which was founded in 1968 and has
3,500 members worldwide.